Trying to create a rig from scratch - My mesh "handles" flip and scale
Make your mesh &amp; bone structure then do the following:

1st - Download and install "orient_custom_shape_V2.py"
from: https://developer.blender.org/F207430

in Blender at Top:
File > User Preferences > Add-ons > Rigging > check the box for "Rigging 

Orient Custom Shape"

2nd - Import Illustrator splines or draw curves directly in Blender
3rd - Ctrl + j to join all curves in your object (two at a time)
4th - Select objects then Alt + C (convert to mesh)
5th - Set each object to size and position then Select each then Ctrl + A 

to apply roation and scale and location
6th - Name each bone then name each new object you created
7th - Select Armature (bones) then go into "Pose Mode" select a bone then 

in the bone tab on the right scroll down to find "Custom Shape" dialogue 

box &amp; write in the name of object to change for (Remember to click the 

"Wireframe" box just at the left)
8th - Under the "Custom Shape" you'll see "At" box in which you give the 

name of the bone
9th - Finally just click on "Orient Custom Shape"

Now in "Object Mode" you can click on your character mesh, then Shift + 
click your rig